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4 myths about PC technology small businesses need to reject

2019-11-28T14:01:00

(BPT) – The PCs you choose to power your small business can dramatically impact your company’s productivity and competitiveness. However, many small businesses fall for common myths about computers, leading to poor purchasing decisions.

Here are four myths about PCs — and realities to help you make smarter technology decisions for your business.

Myth 1: Consumer PCs are interchangeable with business PCs

Reality: Because they’re built for activities like watching videos, checking email and surfing the web, PCs for the consumer market will not always have the computing power or security features sophisticated business applications demand. If a family laptop reluctantly boots up or crashes, it’s annoying, but not serious.

For a business, however, computers are mission-critical. Employees are more likely to run multiple applications simultaneously, use resource-heavy applications or use software as a service (SaaS). PCs built for consumers often lack the computing power to handle these tasks — resulting in lost productivity.

Consumer-level PCs may also lack built-in security features of computers designed for businesses, which could make your business — and sensitive customer data — vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Myth 2: RAM is the top factor in computer performance

Reality: Adding more random access memory (RAM) usually allows a computer to manage more data. But RAM alone won’t improve a computer’s performance — unless the PC has sufficient processing power. To make a PC faster and more efficient, you need a powerful central processing unit (CPU) to optimize the RAM. While RAM is the memory, the CPU (or processor) is the computer’s “brain,” receiving instructions, performing calculations and processing information.

To run today’s resource-intensive business software efficiently, look for computers with plenty of RAM plus processing power, such as PCs combining an 8th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 processor with Intel Optane memory — delivering up to 2.5 times more responsive handling of everyday tasks and up to 66% faster web performance compared to 5-year-old PCs.[1]

Myth 3: You can wait until PCs fail before replacing them

Reality: Long before a PC fails, its performance may suffer, costing your business time and money. Waiting for an older PC to start up every day can waste up to 11 hours a year.[2] Crashing, freezing or slow computers can keep your employees from working efficiently, and may appear unprofessional to customers or clients. Sluggish, malfunctioning PCs can reduce employee satisfaction, as workers become frustrated with outdated technology.

Don’t wait until your business PCs slow to a crawl before upgrading. Be proactive. Look for hardware that exceeds your software vendor’s recommended system requirements. This will help ensure your PCs can handle future software upgrades. Then set a regular schedule for upgrading your hardware.

Myth 4: You’re saving money by repairing old PCs

Reality: Repairing or adding RAM to squeeze more life out of older computers may seem economical. But the cost of keeping older PCs running quickly adds up. According to Intel(R)-commissioned research from J.Gold Associates, repairing breakdowns of a five-year-old computer costs an average of $662 per year. The same research found 43% of the small businesses surveyed had PCs that were over five years old — and malfunctioned each year.[3] At that rate, you’d soon be spending more on repairs than on a brand-new, more powerful computer.

Besides losing productivity during breakdowns and repairs, older computers are also slower. Using five-year-old PCs can make your employees up to 29% less productive,[4] potentially costing your business up to $17,000 per year, per worker.[5]

Older PCs can also put your business at risk of cyberattacks. Per the J.Gold Associates survey, small businesses estimated that 34.47% of their computers over five years old had been hacked.[6] With the average cost of a single data breach worldwide estimated at $35,745 per employee,[7] an older PC rapidly becomes an expensive liability.

In the same survey, small businesses reported that just 5.92% of their PCs newer than one year old had experienced cyberattacks.[8] Newer computers frequently offer built-in security features to reduce risk of cyberattacks. If you’ve updated to Windows 10, upgrading to a PC with the 8th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM) processor can help you focus on growing your business instead of worrying about cybersecurity.

Blindly accepting myths about PCs can be expensive for your small business. Upgrading to more powerful computers can optimize the performance of your business software, enhance your cybersecurity and boost employee productivity. The next time you’re making decisions about computer purchases, be sure you base your actions on reality. Then choose the right PCs to make your business more competitive.

Learn more at Intel.com/smallbusiness.

[1] Performance results based on testing as of March 2, 2018, and may not reflect all publicly available security updates. See configuration disclosure for details. No product can be absolutely secure. Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark and MobileMark, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations and functions. Any change to any of those factors may cause results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including performance of that product when combined with other products. For more information about performance and benchmark results, visit Intel.com/benchmarks. As measured by SYSmark 2014 SE Responsiveness Subscore comparing 8th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 8400 (16GB Intel(R) Optane(TM) memory module) vs. Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3330 (HDD Only).

[2] “Just waiting for an older PC to start up every day, an employee can waste up to 11 hours a year” is based on a 2018 web-based survey commissioned by Intel and conducted by J.Gold Associates, LLC., of 3,297 respondents from small business in 16 countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA) to assess challenges and costs associated with deploying older PCs. Assuming one start-up per day and using an average start-up time calculated by taking the midpoint of the time that survey respondents estimated it takes to start up a PC over 5 years old, employees were estimated to spend up to 11 hours a year starting up a 5-year-old PC (4.07 minutes X 5 days per week X 52 weeks per year divided by 60 (to get to hours) X utilization rate of .67 so 4.07 X 5 X 52 / 60 X .67 = 11.8). Full report available at Intel.com/content/www/us/en/business/small-business/sme-pc-study.html.

[3] The J.Gold study is based on a 2018 web-based survey, commissioned by Intel and conducted by J.Gold Associates, LLC., of 3,297 respondents from small business in 16 countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA) to assess the challenges and costs associated with deploying older PCs. J.Gold research indicated that the failure of a PC under warranty cost a company $1,070 for each failure, and the cost of failure for a machine out of warranty was $1,525. We can allocate a cost per user per year based on the above calculated costs of failure (assuming an in-warranty failure cost for year one and a non-warranty failure cost for all other years) where: Cost = 43.42% (average failure rate) X $1,525 (cost of failure outside of a warranty) 1 (usage from Q2). Full report available at Intel.com/content/www/us/en/business/small-business/sme-pc-study.html.

[4] Ibid. “Using five-year-old PCs can make your employees up to 29% less productive” is based on the productivity impairment respondents estimated was attributed to using a five-year-old PC multiplied by the average amount of time respondents estimated was spent on a PC.

[5] Ibid. “Potentially costing your business up to U.S. $17,000 per year per worker” is based on survey respondents’ estimates that for PCs more than five years old, employees would be up to 29% less productive. Based on an average assumed employee’s salary of $60,000, the lost productivity cost will amount to $17,000.

[6] Ibid. Allocating the cost of a malware attack or data breach by employee can be calculated by the following formula: $35,745 (Cost per employee) = 34.47% (average percentage that have had a breach) X $103,705 (the average cost of the breach).

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid. “Small businesses had reported that just 5.92% of their computers had experienced cyberattacks” is based on the responses to a question in the J.Gold 2018 web-based survey.


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From lawn mowers to snowblowers – equipment prep for changing seasons

2019-11-27T09:01:00

(BPT) – As you finish yard cleanup and watch the forecast for signs of winter, it’s time to make that transition from lawn equipment to snow removal equipment.

It’s not as simple as stashing one machine in the garage as you pull out the other. To make your equipment last for many seasons to come, prepping it for storage makes all the difference.

First, prep equipment for storage

Check the owner’s manual to get specific advice about storing outdoor power equipment, from lawn mowers to hedge trimmers. If you’ve lost your manuals, you can search online for just about any product’s manual.

Clean your equipment

Clean everything thoroughly before storing. Remove dirt, debris and grass clippings, then dry all the components of your equipment. Dirt and moisture can damage your machines.

Make repairs

This is a good time to check for damage and replace old parts if needed. Check fuel filters, air filters and spark plugs and replace as necessary. Lubricate moving parts with oil. Remove and sharpen mower blades so they’ll be ready to go next spring. If you’re not a DIYer, service your machine at a small engine shop or hardware store.

Drain or stabilize fuel

Depending on the kind of lawn mower, there may be specific recommendations for how to prep the fuel tank. Gas should not be left in the tank, as gasoline will degrade, leaving build-up that clogs your fuel system. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for your mower and other equipment, which may include draining the fuel, running the machine until it’s used up or simply adding fuel stabilizer. You should also change the oil.

Remove battery

For machines with a battery, remove and fully charge the battery before winter storage. Store batteries on a plastic or wood shelf, not metal, and not touching metal objects.

Once you’ve properly cleaned your summer equipment and put it away securely, you’re ready to tackle winter.

Next, prep your snowblower

While you prepare for winter, review your equipment needs and evaluate how well — or poorly — your snowblower performed last season.

Check your snowblower

Do a careful inspection before first use. Ensuring that all the nuts and bolts are tight, the spark plug is clean and rust-free, and all the parts are in good condition prevents headaches when you’re facing the season’s first blizzard. Check belts for signs of wear and replace if needed. Lubricate moving parts and add fresh fuel before starting up. It’s wise to use stabilizer, since you can’t know how many weeks will see no snowfall. Change the oil soon after you start using it, especially if you didn’t do so when putting it away last spring.

Need new equipment?

If your snowblower is several years old or seems inadequate for the job, it may be time for an upgrade. If your machine clogs and can’t keep up, or it’s the wrong size for the amount of clearing you have to do, consider a model that’s better for your situation.

Single-stage — The lighter, smaller single-stage snowblower often can’t handle larger areas, snowfall more than 8 inches, or heavy wet snow.

Two-stage — A two-stage snowblower’s auger first collects the snow, then uses an impeller to discharge the snow further, making it a better choice for heavy-duty jobs or larger areas.

With a two-stage system such as in Husqvarna’s 200, 300 and 400 Series, the snowblowers can blast through hard-packed snow by grinding it down first, before it’s fed into the housing to be discharged. This can greatly reduce clogging. Two-stage snowblowers also work better on gravel surfaces, as you can adjust the skid shoes so the machine doesn’t pick up rocks along with the snow.

Husqvarna provides snowblower choices to suit different needs for size and power.

The 200 and 300 Series have a friction disc transmission, which is reliable for average residential use.

200 Series: To clear larger driveways or paths, the 200 series offers high-performing snowblowers with 24-, 27- or 30-inch working widths. Features of this series include heated grips, LED headlights and an electric starter for quick startups in any weather. The two widest models offer power steering.

300 Series: This series is engineered for heavy-duty use in large areas, under all conditions. They also provide heated grips, LED headlights and an electric starter. The widest model also offers power steering.

400 Series: The 400 Series snowblowers use a hydro-static transmission, which is the best choice for handling wet, heavy snow. With hydro-static transmission, it’s easy to vary the ground speed smoothly to match current snow conditions. The 400 Series is for professionals who need a maximum-performance snowblower. The continuous track treads provide superior traction, delivering unbeatable propulsion on slippery surfaces, hills and deeper snow.

Getting the right equipment, and taking proper care of it from season to season, means always being ready for whatever Mother Nature sends your way.


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Clinical Trial Results Promising for People with Lupus

2019-11-27T08:07:00

(BPT) – Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a mysterious chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.iii,iv SLE can affect tissues like the skin, joints, kidneys, brain and other organs, resulting in a wide variety of signs and symptoms that impact the daily lives of those with the disease.iii,iv Globally, an estimated 5 million people live with a form of lupusv and SLE accounts for approximately 70% of all cases of lupus.v Now, the results from a clinical trial are providing hope to people living with SLE.

RemeGen, Ltd., a leading biopharmaceutical company in China, recently announced a Phase IIb clinical trial of RC18 (telitacicept), a potential new medicine for the treatment of SLE, met its primary endpoint of a greater than 4-point reduction in the SLE Responder Index (SRI4).i With RC18 240 mg, 75.8% of patients achieved clinically meaningful disease activity improvement (p<0.001), as compared to placebo (33.9%).i The results were shared during an oral presentation at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting.

RemeGen’s investigational candidate RC18 (telitacicept) is a novel recombinant TACI-Fc (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) fusion protein that has the potential to address significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

RC18 (telitacicept) is a dual-targeting fusion antibody that works by binding to two cell-signaling molecules, B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). By only affecting mature B cells, RC18 has minimal impact on early and memory B cells, which are important for normal body immune function.i

“We are very pleased with the fact that over 70% of patients who were treated with RC18 showed clinically meaningful benefit in this trial,” said Dr. Wu, lead investigator of the trial. “This is the latest chapter in the very promising treatment story of RC18, and we are excited about making this treatment a reality and available to the many who are impacted by lupus daily.”

Keep in mind, there is no cure for SLE and the goal of currently available treatments is to control symptoms.iii Only one drug was approved by the FDA for SLE in the last 60 years, despite urgent unmet medical needs for those with live with the disease daily.v However, managing SLE continues to be complicated and mortality rates remain a major concern.iv

“Characterized by complicated, debilitating symptoms and frustrated by a lack of effective treatment options, lupus continues to disrupt the lives of patients and challenge physicians,” said Jianmin Fang, Ph.D., founder and CEO of RemeGen, Ltd. “These data show the promise of RC18 to precisely target lupus with its novel dual-target mechanism and become a first-in-class and best-in-class treatment.”

RemeGen looks forward to continuing research in the space to bring a new treatment alternative for people living with SLE to a desolate treatment landscape. The company will be working with regulatory authorities around the world to start Phase 3 trials in 2020 in effort to provide treatments to patients as soon as possible. If you’re interested in learning more about RC18, visit RemeGen.com.

References

  1. Wu D, Li J, Xu D, et al. A Human Recombinant Fusion Protein Targeting B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BlyS) and A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), Telitacicept (RC18), In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Results of A Phase 2b Study. Abstract. 2019 American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting.
  2. Luijten KM, Tekstra J, Biljsma JW, et al. The systemic lupus erythematosus responder index (SRI); a new SLE disease activity assessment. Autoimmun Rev. 2012;11(5):326-9. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.06.011. Epub 2011 Sep 18. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21958603.
  3. US National Library of Medicine. Systemic lupus erythematosus. MedlinePlus. Available at https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000435.htm.
  4. Lupus Foundation of American. Lupus Facts and Statistics. 2019. Available at https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics
  5. Pons-Estel GJ, Alarcón GS, Scofield L, et al. Understanding the epidemiology and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rhuem. 2010;39(4):257-68. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2008.10.007. Epub 2009 Jan 10.


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A tasty guide to the perfect holiday cookies

2019-11-27T06:01:01

(BPT) – When Inga Lam of BuzzFeed’s Tasty, the world’s largest social food network, gets going in the kitchen, she makes sure to consider all aspects of her baking process when creating the perfect treat. As a Tasty Creator, Inga is known for showing budding chefs how to sharpen their skills and live out their top-chef dreams by creating viral recipes that are easy to recreate at home. Below, you’ll find her tips to make holiday cookies that will stun this holiday season.

1. Check Your Temperature

To ensure top-quality results when baking, precise temperature is paramount. During prep, eggs and butter must be room temperature (unless the recipe calls for your butter to be melted) as this will guarantee proper spread and texture.

2. Tender Love and Cookie Care

Once the oven is preheated to the desired temperature, let it continue to sit a while longer to ensure that your treats are being cooked in the perfect baking environment. As the Official Oven of the Tasty Kitchen, LG ProBake Convection ovens make this task foolproof thanks to convection technology that evenly distributes heat on every rack. When finished baking, let your cookies rest on the baking sheet even before transferring them to a cooling rack. While warm cookies are tempting, let them properly cool to prevent breakage and loss of shape — perfection cannot be rushed!

3. The Art of Cookie Decór

While there’s no right or wrong way to decorate your cookies, start small and gradually build onto your designs — remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take away! Piping designs with icing is a fun and easy way to create a mix of textures and designs. Fun fact: sprinkles hide everything; so if you ever mess up, just add more sprinkles!

4. Capturing Your Cookie Candids

You’ve worked so hard on your one-of-a-kind holiday cookies, and now it’s time to capture your masterpiece. No professional camera needed; just whip out your smartphone and find the best spot in the house for natural light. Never use flash!

5. The Perfect Post

Everyone knows it’s all about the angles. Top-down is Tasty’s signature style, but shooting at a 45° angle is my personal favorite for showing the full scope of what I’ve made. Feel free to be playful, but always make sure the background is clear of obstructions. Showing your hands is a great way to show how you engage with your food, and don’t be afraid to stage a few props to create a fitting atmosphere for your dish!

To make your own Tasty cookies at home, visit lgtastycookieclub.com and receive your first LG | Tasty Cookie Club kit.


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The key to sustaining that New Year’s resolution: Turkey

2019-11-27T06:01:01

(BPT) – Every year many Americans establish New Year’s resolutions, setting their sights high with the turn of the calendar, but few of them are able to sustain those resolutions. According to online global activity data analyzed by Strava, most people report failing their resolution by Jan. 12. Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Scranton found that just 8% of resolvers could stick to their pledge for two years without slips.

New Year’s resolutions are very difficult to maintain, especially if you are trying to build a healthier lifestyle. According to a 2019 Marist Poll, two of the top resolutions are losing weight and eating healthier. To sustain a nutritious diet, consumers need to identify food options that are not only healthy, but also delicious and convenient.

Protein is essential to a wholesome, balanced diet, and turkey is an excellent source of protein. Low in fat and packed with an abundance of minerals, turkey is perfect for many tasty, easy-to-prepare meals for individuals and families. Consumers can cook tacos with ground turkey, turkey burgers, spaghetti with turkey meatballs, turkey sheet pan dinners, turkey sausage or turkey skillet kits in less than a half hour and enjoy a convenient, nourishing meal.

No matter which form of turkey consumers are choosing, they are often hung up on a common question: white meat or dark meat? You cannot go wrong either way, according to nutritionist Dana Harrison. She notes that white meat is a great source of lean protein, low in fat and low in calories. However, the calorie disparity is not that large. For a three-ounce serving, any part of the turkey falls within a 160- to 190-calorie range.

While dark meat has a higher concentration of fat than white meat, those fats could help you feel more satiated by your meal. Dark meat is also higher in certain other nutrients, including iron, zinc, B vitamins and selenium. Ultimately, Harrison recommends that consumers simply eat the option they prefer taste-wise because white meat and dark meat both fit into a healthy, adequate and balanced diet.

For those wanting healthier options for their families, there are a wide variety of products including ground turkey, breast cutlets, tenderloins and turkey meal kits. The Honeysuckle White and Shady Brook Farms brands provide an array of healthy turkey recipes, such as Southwest-style chipotle turkey tenderloin with roasted veggies, sweet and spicy turkey tacos and white turkey chili.

For consumers on-the-go who want the health halo of turkey breast but need something speedy to whip up for dinner, the company also recently introduced Turkey Skillet Kits. Each kit includes four turkey breast cutlets — hand-seasoned in a flavorful blend — along with an internationally inspired gourmet sauce sauté packet, and they cook in fewer than 15 minutes.

Ground turkey is another quick, versatile dinner option. With 28 grams of protein and only one gram of fat per serving, 99% fat-free ground turkey breast provides a foundation for a wholesome entrée, such as tacos or chili. For families on the go, oven-ready turkey meatloaf is simple to prepare and perfect for busy schedules.

Keeping track of the food you are consuming can help you lose weight and determine if you’re eating enough in each food group. And with modern technology at our disposal, diet monitoring is a breeze. Online food calculators, such as the tool on WebMD, enable consumers to count calories and grams of fat, carbohydrates and protein from thousands of different foods. There are numerous mobile apps that allow you to track your exercise accomplishments, in addition to your dietary goals, to stay on pace with your resolution.

Upholding a healthy diet with balanced, wholesome meals only takes a few simple steps. Smart shoppers plan meals before heading to the store and stick to the outside perimeter of the supermarket to purchase fresh ingredients, including vegetables, fruit and lean meats. Moreover, a consistent meal-planning routine saves time and money by eliminating extra trips to eat out and cutting out the need to order delivery.

This is the year your New Year’s resolution does not have to end in frustration. Armed with a grocery shopping game plan and modern technology to monitor nutrition and wellness progress, consumers can be ready to maintain a healthy routine. Even on the busiest of nights, convenient and healthful turkey meal options ensure you can enjoy an appetizing dinner while keeping your resolution.


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How a Change in Schizophrenia Treatment Could Make the Difference

2019-11-27T00:01:00

(BPT) – Elizabeth was in her late-twenties when she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She worked to manage her symptoms, while also employed as a full-time nurse case manager and raising her two sons. It was a struggle to manage it all, and Elizabeth often wasn’t fully compliant with her treatments. For 17 years she cycled through periods of time when she was stabilized on medications, followed by episodes of breakthrough symptoms or relapse. She frequently visited hospitals for her episodes of breakthrough symptoms. As time went on and her hallucinations intensified, she would increase her medications, without consulting her doctor, to try to make the delusions go away.

“Even as a nurse, I still couldn’t tell what was wrong or why I was experiencing repeated episodes,” Elizabeth said. “I had to hit bottom before I could start rising back up.”

Repeated episodes are common in schizophrenia. In fact, one study showed adults living with schizophrenia had an average of 9 relapses in less than 6 years. Medication and supportive treatments can be a foundation of ongoing recovery for adults living with schizophrenia, and early treatment after diagnosis can lead to better outcomes.

For Elizabeth, finding the right treatment plan for her, including medication and supportive therapies, is what made the difference. Her schizophrenia treatment plan now includes a once-monthly injection, which can help manage her symptoms and help delay another episode. “After I was prescribed a once-monthly injection, I realized the medication was actually helping me and helped control my symptoms,” Elizabeth noted. “I could function with my children, be there for them, and raise my head when walking down the street.”

Despite stories like Elizabeth’s, it can take adults living with schizophrenia many years from their initial diagnosis to when they are prescribed a long-acting injectable medication. “For me, there was a stigma associated with injectable medications,” Elizabeth noted. “However, I soon realized that you don’t need to be in crisis or experiencing an episode of breakthrough symptoms to receive a once-monthly injection, that it could help me manage my schizophrenia symptoms.”

Advocacy organizations are working to help transform care for people living with serious mental illness. For example, the National Council for Behavioral Health recently issued final guidance that supports the use of long-acting injectable medications earlier in the treatment journey for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. Elizabeth says a once-monthly injection helped her work towards her schizophrenia recovery goals and because of this, she wanted to share her story.

“You have to advocate for yourself,” Elizabeth said. “I want to give other people living with schizophrenia hope that they can achieve a better life for themselves. I believe in recovery, and in my recovery, my treatment is an important part of my plan.”

Elizabeth is now able to focus her efforts on reducing the stigma of mental illness and helping other adults who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. She works in her local mental health clinic as a part-time kitchen manager and volunteers in its day program. Recently, Elizabeth was recognized as the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) 2019 Consumer of the Year for her work helping to educate law enforcement about mental illness.

If you or a loved one are an adult living with schizophrenia, ask your doctor if a change in your treatment plan could make the difference for you. Learn more at www.oncemonthlydifference.com.

To see other stories from adults living with schizophrenia, visit #ChangeSchizophreniaExpectations on The Mighty.

Elizabeth is a volunteer with the SHARE Network, a Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., program made up of people who are dedicated to inspiring others through their personal health journeys and stories of caring.

Every story is unique. If you are an adult living with schizophrenia, talk to your doctor to figure out a treatment plan that’s right for you.


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Create Smart, Spacious Bath Designs

2019-11-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s designers, architects and builders are creating modern bathrooms that are practical, comfortable and accommodating. They know that homeowners and homebuyers desire these features regardless of the bathroom’s size or layout. And therein lies the challenge: How to create a feeling of spaciousness and openness without sacrificing valuable floor space, obstructing traffic flow or forfeiting storage space. Space saving hardware by Johnson gives rooms extra space, design options and smooth gliding doors. Shown above: 200WM Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware.

Johnson’s 1500SC Pocket Door Frame is now available with its innovative Soft-Close sliding door hardware included in the package. The Johnson Soft-Close enables doors to open and close quietly and securely with a gentle touch. It also prevents slammed doors and pinched fingers, ensuring smooth-gliding, quiet and most importantly, safe doors. Shown above: 1500SC Series Pocket Door Frame.

Pocket doors can be installed in virtually any room, but are particularly well suited for use in bathrooms where space is often at a premium. The typical hinged door requires up to 14 square feet of floor space to swing open. A pocket door, conversely, slides into the wall, leaving the space in front of, and on either side of the doorway open and available. By saving space that would have been used by a traditional swing door, there is room for more cabinetry, shelving and other fixtures. Additionally, Johnson’s 1500SC includes Soft-Close sliding door hardware for easy, quiet doors that open and close with a soft touch, making it easier to use, too! Shown above: 1500SC Pocket Door Frame.

Create convenient, accessible and space-saving bath designs by utilizing Johnson’s Wall-Mount Sliding Door Hardware. A significant benefit of using wall-mount doors in bathrooms is that the free space gained can be used to install larger vanity cabinets, freestanding shelving units, bigger bathtubs and other fixtures and fittings that may have been squeezed out in order to accommodate swinging doors. Commonly referred to as barn door hardware, the door slides across the wall — not inside it — on extruded aluminum track. And installation is quick and easy, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. Shown above: 2610F Wall Mount Door Hardware.

The main draw of a pocket door is often its ability to save space. So with a growing focus in utilizing all available space, designers hope to mount items such as towel bars, shelves, framed mirrors or artwork walls adjacent to the entryway. This is possible with the Johnson Series 1515 Pocket Door Frame Reinforcement Clip Set, which is a cleverly engineered kit that allows the installation of 3/4-inch-thick plywood panels between the split-studs in the pocket wall. Thus, it creates a solid, strong substrate behind the finished drywall for fastening wall-mounted fixtures and cabinets. Shown above: 1500SC Pocket Door Frame, 1515 Pocket Door Frame Reinforcement Clip Set.

Johnson’s Wall-Mount Sliding Door Hardware is convenient, versatile and space-saving. Commonly referred to as barn door hardware, the door slides across the wall — not inside it — on extruded aluminum track. With quick and easy installation, wall-mount doors provide an endless variety of design options without any hassle. An added benefit is the floor space saved around the entryway. Space that would normally be used to accommodate a traditional swing door can then be used for fixtures and furniture. Johnson Hardware makes it easy to maximize space. Shown above: Series 2610SC.

For more information, visit http://www.johnsonhardware.com/ImageGallery or call 800-837-5664. Follow the company on Twitter: @JohnsonHrdware, Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/johnsonhardware/ Instagram: johnsonhardware or Facebook: www.facebook.com/johnsonhardware1958.


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Enjoy this superfood on any specialty diet

2019-11-26T12:45:00

(BPT) – Are you following a gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, Whole 30 or other special diet? The problem with sticking to a diet is that it can feel restricting, because you’re only allowed to eat certain foods, and that can get boring fast.

Fortunately, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner has a few expert tips to help you succeed with any diet routine:

  • Keep it convenient. Focus on foods that are easy to prepare.
  • Keep it fun. Focus on foods that you actually enjoy eating.
  • Keep it varied. Focus on foods that are versatile and can be used lots of ways.

There’s one ingredient that food lovers can count on while dieting that is incredibly easy to make, versatile and delicious: eggs. Eggs are packed with protein and essential vitamins and nutrients, perfect to keep dieters energized and feeling full throughout the day. For a quick meal that fits most specialty diet plans and can be eaten any time of day, try scrambling peppers, mushrooms and eggs in a pan and top with fresh avocado.

When buying ingredients at the grocery store, remember that not all eggs are created equal. Look for Eggland’s Best eggs with the bright red EB stamp on each egg, as they have superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs. In fact, Eggland’s Best eggs provide 10 times more vitamin E than ordinary eggs, which is an important nutrient for maintaining the immune system. Plus, they have 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s and vitamin B12 and six times more vitamin D.

Why are EB eggs so much more nutritious than regular eggs? The additional nutrients are thanks to a proprietary all-vegetarian hen feed that contains healthy grains, canola oil and a wholesome supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp and vitamin E.

Whether hard-boiled, poached, scrambled or mixed into a favorite recipe, Eggland’s Best eggs are easy to use in dishes and customize to your tastes. If you’re looking for recipe inspiration, try this tasty Garden Frittata recipe:

Garden Frittata

Fresh vegetables mixed with eggs and cheese make for the perfect meal. Note: This recipe adheres to the rules of many specialty diets, including vegetarian, keto and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

4 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large), beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes

Directions:

Melt butter in 10-inch skillet until sizzling; add garlic and onions.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
Add spinach, saute 2-3 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
Whisk eggs and salt together in bowl.
Add eggs to vegetable mixture in pan; sprinkle with basil.
Cover; continue cooking 4-6 minutes or until center is almost set.
Sprinkle with cheese. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Cut into wedges. Garnish with chopped tomatoes.

For more nutritious recipes, visit www.egglandsbest.com.


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Air travel can be dangerous for passengers with disabilities

2019-11-26T16:27:00

(BPT) – During the busy holiday travel season, everyone suffers from the stress and strain that accompanies flying today. Unfortunately, travelers with disabilities face even more barriers to air travel such as damaged wheelchairs, delayed assistance and untrained airline staff. These obstacles are not only inconvenient and uncomfortable, but can be dangerous.

One of the dangers passengers with disabilities face is long wait times in aisle chairs. These one-size-fits-all chairs are used when an airplane aisle is too narrow for a personal wheelchair to fit. Prolonged sitting in this type of short-term use chair can cause pressure sores, blood clots and even death. In addition, lack of training for airline staff to safely transfer people with disabilities to and from wheelchairs and airplane seats leads to increased risk of injury for passengers. A bump into an armrest can cause cuts, bruises or even broken bones.

“The way things are now, flying with a disability is a danger,” said Charles Brown, national senior vice president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Earlier this year, I was injured when being transferred from a wheelchair to an aisle chair to board a plane for a cross-country flight. And again, when transferring to my seat. I ended up with a fracture that led to a serious infection, months in the hospital and follow up visits. If there were more standards and training for staff assisting passengers with disabilities, this would not have happened.”

Additionally, airplane restrooms are too small and inaccessible for people who use mobility devices, leaving people to resort to extreme and unhealthy alternatives.

This holiday season, Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization dedicated to empowering veterans and fighting for the civil rights of all people with disabilities, is alerting the public to the dangers commonly faced during air travel and asking for support of their efforts to ensure safe and accessible travel for all.

“This is a matter of basic civil rights for all people with disabilities,” said David Zurfluh, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “We’ve been leading the charge for accessibility in airports and on planes, but now we need the public to help demand change. We are on a mission to create a world where independent living is a reality for everyone. By supporting our efforts, the American public is showing lawmakers that accessible air travel is an important issue that demands action.”

More than one in four Americans report having a disability, and the majority of those are mobility related. This statistic, coupled with an aging population, makes problems experienced during air travel more widespread than ever.

For those travelers with disabilities, or if you accompany someone who has a disability, the most important thing you can do is join the fight for change. Sign up for ongoing news and alerts, learn how to support PVA efforts to achieve equal accessibility for all and find resources to aid in planning your next trip at pva.org/travel.


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Your 2019 guide to climate-friendly holiday gifting

2019-11-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Each year, many people count down the days to the holiday season and save their money for festive decorations and gift giving. In fact, the average American will spend over $1,000 on holiday gifts, according to the National Retail Federation.

But before you start checking gifts off your list, consider how you can do even more this year. A gift that is ENERGY STAR certified not only has the latest features and styles, but also saves energy and prevents climate change. It’s a gift that does a world of good for your loved ones and the planet.

Cutting-edge electronics

Many of the latest models of your favorite gadgets have earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR label, meaning they are independently certified to save energy and money and protect the environment. You can find TVs, laptops, tablets, speakers, soundbars and more with this certification — something for everyone on your list.

Advanced appliances

Appliances might not be the most flashy or exciting gifts around, but if they are ENERGY STAR certified, they’re gifts that keep on giving. Certified appliances use less energy and water, saving money on utility bills with every use. Treat your loved ones with the convenience of a new refrigerator, washer, dryer or dishwasher.

Smart thermostat

As temperatures drop, your heating bill is on the rise. For the average American household, almost half of the annual energy bill goes to heating and cooling – more than $900 a year.

If you’re concerned about your energy usage this winter, a smart thermostat can help you stay warm without breaking the bank. And those energy savings add up to a healthier climate. If everyone used an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat, savings would grow to 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million per year, offsetting 13 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Modern lighting

Candy and socks are common stocking stuffers, but how about something unique this year? Give your friends and family something they really need. ENERGY STAR certified LED light bulbs last over 13 years with typical use and save nearly $55 in electricity costs in that time. LED light bulbs are available in warm to cool white light, so your gift can help set the mood in any room. You can also find the latest styles of light fixtures that come with LED light sources integrated right into their design that use up to 90 percent less energy.

Beyond the gifts you give, here are other ideas for doing a world of good this holiday season.

Creative wrapping paper

Materials used to make gift wrapping paper are often not accepted for recycling, especially if it’s dyed, laminated or contains non-paper additives like glitter or plastics. Get creative when wrapping presents this year with old fabric, maps, sheet music, magazines or newspapers. You can even use baking pans or festive reusable tins.

Do-good donation

What do you get that friend or family member who has everything? That’s easy.

Donate to a charity or service organization that they support in their name. For example, donate to a local organization that promotes environmental research or conservation. Your gift could also include a promise to volunteer with an organization.

Follow this guide to green-up your holiday gifting. For more climate-friendly holiday gift ideas, visit energystar.gov/holiday.